How to remove chocolate stains from upholstery

Sticky fingers and innocent spills can smear chocolate over upholstered furniture. While the stains may look damaging, chocolate usually can be removed with the proper cleaning supplies and methods. Acting quickly helps prevent the stain from setting or seeping deeply into upholstery fibres, which make removal more difficult. Even old chocolate stains often are removable as long as improper cleaning attempts haven't set the stain permanently in the fibres.

Scrape up any solid pieces of chocolate with a dull knife. Lift the chocolate off the upholstery with the knife; avoid smearing it onto unaffected areas.

Put a squirt of the dish soap onto a damp, clean cloth. Use the cloth to blot the stain. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing, as these can drive the stain deeper into the upholstery fibres.

Blot the area with a dry, white cloth until it is nearly dry. Reapply the detergent and dry again until the stain is completely removed.

Dip a clean cloth into clear water and sponge it onto the stained area to remove any soap residue. Blot dry with the dry cloth.

Tip

Use a dry cleaning solvent instead of soap or water if your upholstery is not water safe, such as microfiber materials.

Warning

Test cleaning solutions on a hidden area of the furniture upholstery to ensure they do not causes stains or damage.

Tips and warnings

Use a dry cleaning solvent instead of soap or water if your upholstery is not water safe, such as microfiber materials.

Test cleaning solutions on a hidden area of the furniture upholstery to ensure they do not causes stains or damage.